Smew or not?

Can any of you kind folk tell me what these are? I thought they were a male and female smew, but I'm not sure. If not, what are they?

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/Tinywales/birdsandbutterflies/smew_2.jpg[/IMG]

and

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/Tinywales/birdsandbutterflies/smew_3.jpg[/IMG]

Taken at Penrhos Nature Reserve, Holyhead, yesterday afternoon.

C & C please.





Thanks


Howard

Definitely not Smew`s Howard see here link They look like some kind of cross but will keep looking

Thanks Gareth and Cliff. I'll keep searching. There were several mallards on the same pool so as you say, Cliff, perhaps they're a cross. Can you have mongrel ducks?



Thanks

Howard

could well be mallard hybrids or domestic ducks of some kind.

i've seen some lovely mallard 'mongrels', black and white, tan, almost all white - and they have had chicks, most of who are 'normal' coloured.

I was starting to think along those lines especially looking at the beaks. Mallards do seem to produce some very photogenic "mongrels". Ah well, so I didn't get a first.



Thanks

Howard

My mate Andy, who claims to be a professional in the field, had a look and says: "Its a farmyard hybrid - probably Mallard x Muscovy Duck!"

Al

Thanks Al for asking your friend and since he's a professional we'll take his word for it. There are farms nearby but I don't know if they have ducks. A hybrid seems to be the general consensus. Interesting markings however.



Howard

Professionals are always right, Howard -- just look at the banking industry. Seriously, ducks are fascinating creatures and photographing them can cheer you up no end.

Al